My Conclusion on Rob Bell’s Love Wins

Take this as part 1 of my conclusion about Rob Bell’s Love Wins. I wrote an article for the PBU student newspaper that is forthcoming, and I don’t want to repeat too much of what I said there before the article is published next month. But let me say this…

If you’ve been paying attention to what I’ve been saying, I haven’t condemned Rob Bell. That doesn’t mean I agree with everything he says, but it is my attempt and hope to help my readers see the book through a new light–the subject of eternity needs less rash judgments and more loving approaches, and that our desire for clarity on this subject (and others) is idolatrous; the book is still incredibly exclusive in its inclusiveness, and our approach on the atonement of Christ should be multifaceted.

I suppose I am tired of all the Bible-bashing and anger that is thrown around when we approach this subject, and, perhaps, I am tired of treating any Christian, including Rob Bell, like an enemy. Whatever the reason may be, I have not condemned Rob Bell because I simply decided not to. I don’t think it’s helpful in this situation (frankly, enough has been done already). I don’t think it’s loving. Bell is trinitarian, orthodox, and still evangelical. If Bell committed himself to Arianism, I would be glad to condemn Love Wins, but he hasn’t so I haven’t.

I have tried to approach Bell’s book humbly, knowing that I don’t know it all (i.e., “The more I know the more I realize I don’t know”). I have attempted to love him like a brother, and I believe I have. As I said, there’s more to come from me on this subject, but I think this needed to be said for now.